She was the inspiration behind the rappers jams “My Mom” and “Headlights”. The two had a strained relationship due to her alleged abuse.
Her death was confirmed by Dennis Dennehy, a spokesperson for the Grammy-winning rapper.
Although she might have been battling cancer for longer, Nelson’s cancer first surfaced in September.
The rapper is alleged not to have visited his mum in the hospital after her terminal lung cancer diagnosis in September 2024.
A little history
Eminem rose to fame after the release of The Slim Shady LP in February 1999. The Slim Shady LP included the hit song My Name Is…, which contained lyrics that accused his mother of being a drug addict:
“I just found out my mom does more dope than I do / I told her I’d grow up to be a famous rapper / make a record about doin’ drugs and name it after her.”
He was then sued for defamation by his mum.
In 2008, Debbie released her memoir “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.” revealing details about their estranged relationship.
In the book she discussed their fractured relationship and alleged that she and her siblings had been abused by their stepfather when she was a child.
Eminem would then gain custody of his younger half-brother raising him after Nelson put Nathan in foster care as a child.
In October 2024, Eminem announced that he would be a grandfather.
The rapper announced that his daughter Hailie Jade, 28, was expecting her first child via a music video for his song “Temporary,” featuring Skylar Grey.
At one point in the video, Jade – a musical artist and podcaster – is seen giving her father a blue shirt that reads “Grandpa” on the back.
Eminem, stunned, then holds a photo of a sonogram while Jade smiles and laughs at her dad’s reaction to the news.
The music video showcases a montage of childhood home videos of Jade and Eminem spliced with footage from her recent wedding to husband Evan McClintock.
Eminem dedicates the song to Jade, at one point rapping lyrics that have to do with the circle of life:
“So Hailie Jade, I wrote this song to help you cope with life when I’m gone.”
by PENINAH NJOKI
